Editor’s Note: This article will be updated throughout the day as conditions change.
Update: 2:20 p.m.: The Bridger Gondola is open.
Update: 11:25 a.m.: According to Andrew Way, JHMR vice president of marketing, “Bridger Gondola experienced an electrical problem brought on by the high winds and we’re working to get it safely up and running as soon as possible. No ETA for opening as of yet.”
JACKSON, Wyo. — A storm cycle is upon us here in Jackson Hole. Twelve inches of snow fell in the Tetons yesterday and another 13 inches is expected today, according to the weather forecast from Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center.
The snow and strong winds, forecasted to reach up to 30-40 mph, are causing delays at the area ski resorts while avalanche danger in the backcountry has been increased to high at the upper elevations.
At Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR), avalanche bombing is still underway, six of the lower mountain lifts are currently open. At the top of the Tram, wind speeds are being reported at 42 mph.
The Bridger Gondola, Tram, Sweetwater Gondola, Thunder, Sublette, Casper and Marmot remain closed. The Bridger Gondola boxes are still not on the line.
At Grand Targhee Resort, eight inches fell overnight. According to the Targhee website, 27 inches in the past 48 hours. Colter lift is the only lift currently on hold.
Avalanche danger
Avalanche danger in the Teton forecast area is rated high at the upper elevations, considerable at the mid elevations and moderate below 7,500 feet.
According to the BTAC forecast for the Tetons, “fresh wind slabs 3-4 feet deep formed by strong winds of 40 mph will be sensitive to triggering in the middle to upper elevations. Use cautious route finding as natural avalanches are likely in the upper elevations and ride low angle terrain during this storm cycle as continued snowfall with strong wind throughout the day increases avalanche danger to high.”
According to the forecast, the possibility of triggering an avalanche will continue to increase as the main body of the storm moves in throughout the day.
“Today and during the next couple of days it will be critical to take extra time to create large margins of safety when venturing into the backcountry.”
Check out the full forecast here.
